Public Library Construction Grant Program

Through the Public Library Construction Grants Program, public libraries across the state are provided with up to 50% of the approved costs of acquiring, constructing, renovating, or rehabilitating public library buildings. Awards have assisted public libraries to become A.D.A. compliant, install “green” technologies such as solar panels and geothermal heating systems, as well as expanding current buildings with new children and teen areas, computer training labs and community meeting spaces.

SEE: New York State Education Law, § 273-a, and Commissioner's Regulations 90.12.

Funds available: appropriation of $14 million in capital funds for public library construction in the 2010 State Budget.

Tentative Application Deadline for 2011-2014 Projects: early October 2011.

Conservation/Preservation Grants

As part of the statewide program for conservation and preservation of endangered research library materials, the State Library provides grants to libraries, archives, historical societies and similar agencies for projects to preserve important, deteriorating library research materials.

The grants, of up to $40,000, support projects for the protection, care and treatment of library materials valuable to New York State, preventing loss of their informational or intellectual content and/or the objects themselves through such activities as evaluating condition of collection and making a preservation plan; environmental control; disaster prevention, preparedness and recovery; preparation of library materials for storage; cleaning, repairing, maintaining collection materials; screening items for preservation; reformatting to microform, tape or photocopying; cleaning, deacidification; and staff training and patron awareness programs.

Funds available: Education Law provides $500,000 for each year. Actual amount available for grants depends on the appropriation by the New York State Legislature.

Library Services and Technology Act Grants

The Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants Program in New York State is based on the four major goals of the LSTA Five-Year Plan (FY2012-2017), as approved by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

All New Yorkers will have improved access to library resources that advance and enhance their personal, educational and working lives.

The New York State Library, library systems and libraries will deliver new and improved library programs that anticipate and meet New Yorkers' constantly changing needs for library services.

New Yorkers of all ages will perceive libraries as community learning spaces offering high-quality lifelong learning, literacy, and knowledge creation opportunities that enhance civic engagement and economic vitality.

All New Yorkers will benefit from statewide programs and services of the New York State Library that effectively leverage private and public funding through collaboration and partnerships and maximize value in order to achieve goals one, two and three.

Each of these four goals is closely linked to recommendations issued in 2012 by the New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries.

The LSTA Grants Program is currently funding a one-year Invitational Grant Program focused on assisting library systems to help their member libraries improve library services for their customers and to implement the New York State Library’s 2012-2017 Five-Year Plan.

Funds Available: Grant allotment is $800,000 for the period April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013.

Information about additional grant opportunities can be found in the State Register. All New York State agencies awarding grants of State or Federal
funds are required to publish a Notice of Availability of Funds in the State Register, which is published
weekly and sent to all village, town, city and county clerks in the State. Libraries may subscribe for $40 annually.
Checks should be made payable to the Department of State and sent to: Department of State, Office of Public Affairs,
Information Services, 162 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231.